Director User Centered Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
Sr. Director, User Experience & Human Factors
Who We Are:
Ipsos is one of the world's largest research companies and currently the only one primarily managed by researchers, ranking as a #1 full-service research organization for four consecutive years. With over 75 different data-driven solutions and presence in 90 markets, Ipsos brings together research, implementation, methodological, and subject-matter experts from around the world, combining thematic and technical experts to deliver top-quality research and insights. Simply speaking, we help the biggest companies solve some of their biggest problems, serving more than 5,000 clients across the globe by providing research, data, and insights on their target markets. And we're proud to share we've received our Great Place to Work Certification for 2022!
About User Experience & Human Factors (UX & HF):
UX & HF covers all aspects of the end-user's interaction with a company and its products. UX & HF research is at the heart of user-centered design, which is based on the notion that design should be informed by research about users, their expectations, their activities, and their interactions with products. Ipsos believes that as part of a user-centered design process, every design decision should be informed in part by UX & HF research. Moreover, Ipsos believes that simply conducting evaluative UX & HF research on completed designs is not as effective as conducting UX & HF research throughout the process.
What makes this role important at Ipsos?
The Sr. Director of User Experience & Human Factors is a senior research and leadership position responsible for managing a UX & HF practice area and overseeing all phases of complex research projects - from bidding and scoping through execution and delivery. This role operates as an independent team leader and Senior Practice Lead (SPL), representing UX & HF across industries, including highly regulated environments. The Sr. Director is responsible for driving business development, mentoring talent, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, user-centered research and design work that meets both client needs and applicable industry standards.
What you can expect to be doing:

• Manage multiple large UX & HF research projects, overseeing all aspects of project management and execution - including research and design approach, quality assurance, analysis, and delivery - for accounts typically in excess of $500K.
• Sell UX & HF research and design work to clients by leveraging your network, global Ipsos contacts, and existing client accounts; close sales opportunities, identify leads, and lead sales meetings.
• Develop and contribute to Ipsos' UX & HF value proposition, evangelizing UX & HF capabilities to Client Officers, Service Line Leads, and prospective clients.
• Review project team deliverables to ensure consistency, high quality, and meaningful user experiences - including alignment with FDA and industry guidance where applicable for human factors research.
• Create a unified vision for UX & HF solutions that grounds design ideas in research and bases research recommendations in design principles.
• Communicate deliverables, design recommendations, and final reports and presentations to clients with clarity and confidence; anticipate client questions and needs.
• Foster collaboration and provide active formal and informal constructive feedback with the intent to grow talent; act as a mentor to researchers, designers, and research leads.
• Work with the UX & HF team and Client Officers to recommend approaches and bids.
• Advocate for sound user-centered design approaches (UX research + design) to both clients and internal teams.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of the UX & HF practice by focusing on areas of interest (e.g., Customer Journey Mapping, training, onboarding, process improvement).

This might be the job for you if you have:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Factors, HCI, Psychology, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Design, Visual Design, Behavioral Sciences, or equivalent experience required (Master's degree or higher preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in UX and/or Human Factors research or design required; 7+ years preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience leading interdisciplinary UX & HF teams, inspiring dedication and high-quality work from team members.
• In-depth knowledge of UX & HF design principles and current user research and design methodologies.
• Familiarity with industry best practices and guidance for conducting human factors research (e.g., FDA guidance, ANSI/AAMI HE75, IEC 62366-1:2015).
• Experience managing research programs within regulated environments (e.g., Medical Device, Aerospace, Automotive) preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of project types using different UX & HF techniques.
• Strong client management skills, including the ability to deliver compelling presentations and adapt to evolving client needs.
• Solid consulting skills across sales, project management, and team leadership.
• Strong communication skills to explain design justification and research recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and working with international teams.

A few notes on the choices I made:

• Years of experience was split between the two JDs, so I landed on 5+ required / 7+ preferred, which feels right for Sr. Director versus the VP's 7/10+ split.
• Regulated environment / FDA language is included but framed as "where applicable" and "preferred" on the requirements side, since not every project will be HF-specific.
• The "Who We Are" and UX & HF About sections are kept intact as they appear consistently across Ipsos JDs.

If you don't meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage all who feel they might be a fit for the opportunity to apply. We may consider a variety of backgrounds for a particular role and are also committed to considering candidates for available positions throughout our organization, not just the one you're applying to!
In accordance with NY/CO/CA/WA law, the estimated base salary range for this role is $ 130,000 - $150,000. Your final base salary will be determined based on several non-discriminatory factors which may include but are not limited to location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications.
What's in it for you:
At Ipsos you'll experience opportunities for Career Development, an exceptional benefits package (including generous PTO, healthcare plans, wellness benefits), a flexible workplace policy, and a strong collaborative culture.
To find out more about all the great reasons to work at Ipsos, how we're making an impact around the world, and more about our benefits and employee programs, please visit: Why Work at Ipsos | US
Commitment to Diversity
Ipsos recognizes the necessity of building an inclusive culture that values each employee's individuality and diverse perspectives. For more than 40 years, our mission has been to generate and analyze data about society, markets, brands, and behaviors to provide our clients with the insights that elevate their understanding of the world. This could not be fulfilled without Ipsos' diverse employees who compile and analyze this data-they are the essence of who we are and what we do.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, creating an environment that promotes inclusion, and enabling employees from all walks of life to flourish. Ipsos encourages our employees to act in a respectful and responsible manner, in line with code of best practices concerning diversity and inclusion, human rights, equality, and civility for every individual.
Ipsos is An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other protected class and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
#LI-TL1 #LI-Hybrid
About Us
Ipsos is one of the world's largest research companies and currently the only one primarily managed by researchers, ranking as a #1 full-service research organization for four consecutive years. With over 75 different data-driven solutions, and presence in 90 markets, Ipsos brings together research, implementation, methodological, and subject-matter experts from around the world, combining thematic and technical experts to deliver top-quality research and insights. Simply speaking, we help the biggest companies solve some of their biggest problems, serving more than 5000 clients across the globe by providing research, data, and insights on their target markets. And we are proud of our continuous efforts in making Ipsos the best place to work!
About the Team
At Ipsos, we collaborate with the world's leading organisations to help them grow the right talent, fulfill their brand promises, and optimise financial outcomes.
From corporate strategy to operational excellence, we cover the entire experience landscape. Our research, advanced analytics and advisory solutions enable clients to predict and adapt to change, create enriched, improved, and differentiated experience ecosystems.
Our approach is deeply human-centric, and our global network of expert teams have a rigorous understanding of CX and EX that's backed by decades of cultural knowledge and industry experience.
So, while our work is powered by insights and driven by technology, it's always all about people